How did collections around the world (including that at Tulane) end up with an eclectic assortment of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including many decorated coffins? During the nineteenth century, travelers and early archaeologists brought back vast quantities of antiquities from Egypt, but few were ever studied or published and most disappeared rapidly into museums and private collections. These artifacts with little-to-no original context and which have remained unpublished are almost as lost to us today as objects that are literally lost or destroyed.

Amongst these artifacts are many coffins – often exquisitely decorated, but until recent decades little studied. Only through study, documentation, and publication can we improve our understanding of these most essential items of the ancient Egyptian burial kit. Dr. Aidan Dodson (University of Bristol, UK) has been working for some years on the publication of a number of coffin collections, including those in Edinburgh, Stockholm, and a number in various English regions outside of London. Join us as he takes us on an illustrated tour through what one can learn from Egyptian coffins and through their ancient and modern histories.

Meet and greet with light refreshments at 5:30, lecture at 6:00.

This event is free to the public. Seating is limited and on a first-come basis.

Sponsored by the Center for Scholars and Department of Classical Studies at Tulane University and by The American Research Center in Egypt, New Orleans Area Interest Group.